DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS - CREATIVE PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Location: Bentonville, Arkansas
Job Type: Contract
Compensation Range: $70 - 78 per hour

Are you a systems-thinker who thrives at the intersection of high-volume creative production and operational excellence? We are seeking a Director of Operations to lead the end-to-end commercialization engine for a major private brand portfolio.

In this role, you will be the architect of the workflow that brings packaging to the shelf-ensuring every SKU is delivered on time, on brief, and at the highest quality. You will lead a high-performing team of Senior Project Managers, drive continuous process innovation, and champion the use of emerging tech and AI to remove friction from our global supply chain.

Responsibilities:

• Commercialization Leadership: Own the post-brief packaging execution lifecycle-from intake to artwork delivery-across a high-volume, multi-category portfolio.
• Team & Capacity Management: Lead and coach a team of Senior PMs and contractors. You will build scalable staffing models and manage vendor/agency SLAs to ensure consistent throughput.
• Workflow Design: Map and optimize cross-functional touchpoints across Product Development, Sourcing, Legal, Quality, and Print. You will standardize RACIs and streamline handoffs.
• Speed & Efficiency: Establish takt time targets and reduce cycle times through better briefing processes, smart proofing, and clear decision rights.
• Technology & AI Enablement: Pilot and implement tools (PLM, DAM, Generative AI, OCR) to automate routing, QA, and label checks.
• Data-Driven Insights: Build dashboards to track schedule adherence, WIP aging, and rework drivers, translating raw data into operational improvements.
• Change Management: Lead the adoption of new SOPs and ways of working, ensuring the team is trained and aligned with measurable outcomes.

Qualifications:

• Experience: 8-12+ years in operations or program management, specifically within packaging, CPG, retail private brands, or large-scale creative production.
• Leadership: A proven track record of managing senior-level PMs and external agency partners in fast-paced environments.
• Process Expertise: Strong background in process improvement (Lean, Agile/Kanban, or Six Sigma) applied pragmatically to creative workflows.
• Technical Fluency: Deep understanding of packaging workflows (dielines, prepress, color, regulatory claims, and print). Airtable experience required.
• Future-Forward Mindset: Experience with PLM/DAM systems and an appetite for piloting AI-enabled workflows to drive automation.
• Communication: Crisp stakeholder management skills with the ability to lead through influence and change.

Job ID: JN -012026-121306
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Equal Opportunity Employer: Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, National Origin, Age, Genetic Information, Disability, Protected Veteran Status, or any other legally protected group status.

At Cella, a randstad digital company, we welcome people of all abilities and want to ensure that our hiring and interview process meets the needs of all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation to make your application or interview experience a great one, please contact HRsupport@randstadusa.com.

Pay offered to a successful candidate will be based on several factors including the candidate's education, work experience, work location, specific job duties, certifications, etc. In addition, Cella by randstad digital offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: medical, prescription, dental, vision, AD&D, and life insurance offerings, short-term disability, and a 401K plan (all benefits are based on eligibility).

This posting is open for thirty (30) days.